Mazda

Mazda 5 (2015)

735 real MOT outcomes analysed • 80.3% first-time pass rate

2015 Mazda 5

CarHunch analysed 735 real MOT records for the 2015 Mazda 5. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2015 Mazda 5 passes MOT at virtually the UK average rate of 80.2%, but there's a significant red flag: over half of these vehicles (53.1%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is well above acceptable for a family car. Petrol versions perform slightly better at 82.4% pass rate versus diesel at 79.2%, suggesting the petrol engine is marginally more robust.

At 56,127 miles average, these eight-year-old cars have been driven a reasonable amount, and the 2.11 average failures per vehicle tells you they're developing real issues when they fail — not just minor wear items. The high advisory count of 15.8 per vehicle indicates routine maintenance isn't being kept up reliably across the used market. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks the suspension, braking system, and emissions gear, as these are where the dangerous defects cluster.

The 2015 Mazda 5 has a decent first-time pass rate (80.3%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
80.3%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
53.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.11
Over 9.8 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
56k
Middle half: 44k–69k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 15.8 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 735 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 735 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 60.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 40.3%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 28.8%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Offside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened
Suspension & steering 28.2%
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2015.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 735 Mazda 5 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2015 Mazda 5

Based on MOT data from 735 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 53.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (68%) 502 79.3% 2.21
Petrol (32%) 233 82.4% 1.91

Colour Breakdown

Based on 26,090 Mazda 5 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 25%
6,528
Silver 24%
6,257
Blue 23.2%
6,041
Black 14%
3,663
Red 8.3%
2,167
White 2.3%
598
Maroon 1.6%
429
Gold 1.1%
276
Purple 0.3%
66
Green 0.2%
65

Mileage Distribution

Most 2015 Mazda 5 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

55,500
typical
43,948
low mileage
69,276
high mileage

Half of all 2015 Mazda 5 vehicles fall between 43,948 and 69,276 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 43,948 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
43,948–69,276 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2015 Mazda 5s sit.
Over 93,522 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2015 Mazda 5 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2015 Mazda 5s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 656 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the peak.

711 656 2018 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

9.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.11
Avg failures per vehicle
15.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Mazda 5: All 5 years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2015 Mazda 5 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing